PREVENT

Cheadle Primary School - Prevent Statement

What is the Prevent strategy - Prevent is a Government strategy designed to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorist or extremist causes. The Prevent strategy covers all types of terrorism and extremism, including the extreme right wing, violent Islamist groups and other causes.

How does the Prevent strategy apply to schools? - From July 2015, all schools (as well as other organisations) have a duty to safeguard children from radicalisation and extremism. This means we have a responsibility to protect children from extremist and violent views the same way we protect them from any other harm. Importantly, we provide a safe place for pupils to discuss these issues, at an appropriate level so they better understand how to protect themselves.

Preventing Radicalisation in School - Building resilience in our children and the promotion of fundamental British values is at the heart of preventing radicalisation. We do this through our philosophy for children program, providing a safe place in which children can discuss issues. We aim to give our children the knowledge and confidence to challenge extremist beliefs and ideologies.

Many of the things we already do in school to help children become positive, happy members of society also contribute to the Prevent strategy.

· Exploring other cultures and religions and promoting diversity

· Challenging prejudices and racist comments

· Developing critical thinking skills and a strong, positive self-identity

· Promoting the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils, as well as British values such as democracy

· Protecting children from the risk of radicalisation, such as using filters on the internet or vetting visitors who come into school

· Promoting British Values: Democracy; The rule of law; Individual liberty and mutual respect

If we have a concern about a particular child we will follow the school’s normal safeguarding procedures, including discussing with the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead and Trust’s Social Worker. We may also contact the local police force or dial 101 (the non-emergency number). They can talk to us in confidence about concerns and help us gain access to support and advice.

The Department for Education has dedicated a telephone helpline (020 7340 7264) to enable staff and governors to raise concerns relating to extremism directly. Concerns can also be raised by email to counter.extremism@education.gsi.gov.uk

Further information can be found:- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/counter-terrorism-strategy-contest-2018

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/protecting-children-from-radicalisation-the-prevent-duty